Toastmasters Myths

Five Toastmasters Myths and Realities:

1. I don’t need Toastmasters because I’ve been giving presentations for years.

Have you been using the same style for years, too? Toastmasters is a great way to modernize and expand your presentation styles. We’ll give you honest feedback and good suggestions for alternative techniques.

2. I don’t need Toastmasters because I don’t give speeches.

What about when you talk to someone to ask a question or give information? What about when you present an idea at a meeting? What about when your boss asks about the status of your work or a project? The more you think about it, most of your business and personal conversations are “presentations”. The more care and consideration you give these daily “presentations”, the more professional they will be. Toastmasters will help you professionalize the dozens of “presentations” you give every day.

3. Other members are already good speakers. I’m not as good a speaker as they are.

Many Toastmasters are good speakers, but everybody starts at the same place. Even the most experienced speakers get nervous. We can’t eliminate that. What we can do is help you discover a way to use that nervousness to your advantage. Many experienced Toastmasters continue to attend meetings and give presentations because there is always something new to learn.

4. Every speech is criticized.

Toastmasters is against criticism. We evaluate, helping the speaker understand what they are doing well and suggesting alternatives for future presentations. This is to build your speaking tool kit. The more speaking tools you are experienced with, the more effectively you can use them in various speaking situations.

5. I don’t have the time.

Toastmasters can take as much or as little time as you want. Preparing presentations does take a little bit more time, but the only time commitment is to attend meetings. All members are busy people who feel it important and valuable to spend a few hours per month for professional development in a relaxed and social environment.